Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Church Planters
Before applying, take a few minutes to review the expectations of this three-year partnership with 23 Project.
Why This Matters
Clear Commitments Make for Healthy Partnerships
We partner with church planters for one reason: the advancement of the gospel. Healthy partnerships require clarity on both sides — what's being asked and what's being offered. This page is designed to lay that out plainly, in one place, before you begin the application process. Our goal is simple: that you and your family can move forward with confidence, knowing exactly what this partnership involves.
What 23 Project Commits To
Our Promise to You
-
We Pray
Our prayer team lifts up your family and your church plant by name regularly.
-
We Fund
$75,000 across three years, with $5,000 per year set aside for a family vacation.
-
We Support
Monthly coaching and an annual retreat for you and your spouse.
What You Commit To
Your Part of the Partnership
A partnership asks something of both sides. Here is what we are asking of you over the course of the partnership.
Stewardship
How the Funds Are Used
- Use grant funds to further the mission of the church plant.
- Set aside $5,000 per year, for three years, for a family vacation.
- Designate at least $1,000 per year to support other 23 Project funded churches during the partnership.
Formation & Care
Being in the Work with Us
- Commit to regular coaching sessions with 23 Project.
- Attend the initial retreat for recipient partners.
- Schedule our Executive Director, Brian Lowe, to preach at least once at your church plant while you are receiving funding (at 23 Project's expense).
Oversight & Clarity
The People and Plan Around You
- Establish an Advisory Team of at least three men, plus the lead planting pastor. The team must be formed and meeting dates set before funding begins. If a sending church already provides elder oversight, an exception can be made.
- Submit Advisory Team members, meeting dates, and times to 23 Project before December 15.
- Provide 23 Project access to Advisory Team meeting minutes.
- Submit a brief Core Clarity plan for your church — a three-year picture and a one-year plan.
- Affirm agreement with our Types of Churches document.
Reporting & Visibility
Staying Connected
- Complete quarterly updates before the requested deadlines.
- Be listed on the 23 Project website as a Church Planter recipient.
Before You Apply
Can You Say Yes to All of This?
If this reflects a path you and your family are ready to commit to for the next three years, we would love to hear from you. If you have any questions, reach out and let us know so you can have the clarity and confidence you need to take the next steps.